Confusing Signals Of Teething

April 06, 1989|By Allan Bruckheim, M.D.

Q-I suppose you must receive many questions about the difficulties babies experience while teething, but I`m in a quandary trying to figure out normal reactions from those that might be signs of more serious situations. Could you please help an anxious mother?

A-Teething refers to the eruption of the primary (deciduous) teeth that occurs in infancy. During the period of cutting the first teeth, the infant is progressing through many other development and learning stages.

Many factors can cause changes in behavior, mood and temperament. Should a tooth be coming in at the same time, it is quite understandable that the mother may blame the new tooth for the changes in baby`s activity. The frequently mentioned fever, diarrhea, skin rashes, bronchitis and seizures don`t appear to be the direct result of teething, although they may occur during periods of teething. However, drooling, restlessness, loss of appetite, thumb sucking and gum rubbing are indications of the infant`s discomfort from teething.